Barranquilla Carnival is the biggest Colombian celebration of the year. Parades fill the streets, showcasing dances ranging from champeta to cumbia. Vallenato music blares over the loudspeakers and colorfully-clad visitors spray one another with colorful foam and sip on aguardiente. It’s truly a celebration like no other, and one of the best things to do in Colombia!
As the second-largest carnival celebration in the world, Barranquilla Carnival is a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, bringing in millions of visitors every year. However, this also means there’s plenty to navigate – from where to stay, to how to get around, to where to buy the best sequined accessories in town!
I attended Barranquilla Carnival in 2024 and navigated all the chaos, crowds, aforementioned sequins, and so I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you plan your own trip to Colombia’s biggest event of the year! From where to stay to how to get around, this guide will break down all you need to know to survive the chaos of Carnival!
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Understanding Barranquilla Carnival
Barranquilla Carnival is undeniably Colombia’s biggest cultural event of the year. The carnival brings in millions of visitors every year, and is the second largest carnival celebration in the world after Rio de Janeiro.
History and Origins
Taking place 4 days before Ash Wednesday, the origins of Barranquilla Carnival date back to the colonial era, though the exact origins are unknown.
Many theorize that the original celebration developed amongst slave populations in the city of Cartagena, who aimed to preserve the traditional dances brought on slave ships from Africa. Other theories say that that carnival comes from the local indigenous populations and traditions. Others say the concept of a carnival was brought by the Spanish and Portuguese colonists.
Regardless of its exact origins, Barranquilla Carnival now represents the diversity of cultures and stories that contribute to its foundation. The celebrations showcase dances, music, and folklore from the number of diverse populations that call Colombia home, from the Wayuu people of La Guajira to the salsa culture of Cali, and everything in between. It is truly a celebration of Colombian culture and a welcoming of spring.
Notable Figures and Symbols
Barranquilla Carnival is notable from other carnival celebrations for a number of unique symbols and figures. Perhaps most notable is the marimonda, a half-monkey, half-elephant character who is a quintessential part of the celebrations. The character was originally created by the working-class populations as a caricature of the wealthy, and is now representative of the Barranquilla celebrations.
Another notable symbol is the palenqueras, women clad in colorful gowns representing the colors of the Colombian flag. These women are descendents of the first freed slaves not just in Colombia, but the Americas, and hail from the town of San Basilio de Palenque in the department of Bolívar, just outside the city of Cartagena.
Finally, keep your eye out for plenty of cumbia. This music and dance style is representative of the coast, combining elements of indigenous, Spanish, and African rhythms. The dance style takes many forms during the carnival – you’ll see dancers performing with everything from lit candles to bottles of aguardiente balanced on their heads!
Want to learn more about the history of Carnival? Check out the Carnival Museum in Barranquilla!
What to Expect from Barranquilla Carnival
A typical day at Barranquilla Carnival involves plenty of dancing, spray foam, champeta, and sequins! Prepare for long, hot days under the sun, fueled by aguardiente and Poker.
Parades are central to the festivities, beginning most days around mid-afternoon and carrying on long into the evening. Since I attended carnival with my couchsurfing host and true Barranquillero Jorge, I got an insider’s look at carnival, even getting the chance to participate in the famous Batalla de Flores parade!
Attending at least one day of the parades is an essential carnival experience, but parties and celebrations take place throughout the city all week long, alongside special events like concerts and performances at the Gran Malecón.
Key Events to Attend
The ultimate can’t-miss event of Barranquilla Carnival is La Batalla de Flores, the largest and grandest parade of the festivities. Taking place on the first day of the carnival celebrations, La Batalla de Flores includes all the celebrations of folklore seen throughout the festival, from cumbia to mapalé to towering floats. Make sure to keep an eye out for the Carnival Queen passing by!
The days following the Batalla de Flores showcase different elements of the celebrations, with the Folklore Parade on Sunday and the Great Fantasy Parade on Monday. Monday evening is the Orchestras Festival, a concert showcasing the many musical styles of Colombia, from Salsa to Merengue to Vallenato. Finally, Tuesday is the Death of Joselito Parade, a more somber parade representing the end of the carnival.
If you happen to be in town prior to the celebrations, there are still plenty of events to attend. Two of the most notable are the Crowning of the Carnival Queen, taking place a day before the festivities at the Romelio Martinez Stadium, and the Children’s Parade, a smaller version of the Batalla de Flores featuring smaller floats for children.
Tickets and Prices
It’s not necessary to buy tickets in advance of Barranquilla Carnival, unless you want to be guaranteed a spot in the official palcos, or large stands alongside the parades. Advance tickets are often sold in 3-4 day packages, offering you entry to multiple days of the celebrations. Tickets generally cost between 200,000-250,000 COP ($45-$60 USD) for multi-day packages.
If you’re on a tighter budget, or don’t want to visit all four days of the parades, you can find seating day-of in the palcos or in covered stalls alongside the parade barriers. The covered stalls are often the most economic option, offering single-day entry for around 30,000-50,000 COP (~$8-$10 USD). Make sure to arrive early to find the best seating, and be aware that some vendors may try to upcharge you – don’t be afraid to haggle!
Both the palcos and covered stalls have access to porta-potties. There will also be plenty of vendors nearby selling everything from beer to water to sancocho.
What to Bring to Carnival
The most important thing to have at carnival is an epic outfit. Pop-up markets set up throughout the city in the weeks leading up to Barranquilla Carnival, selling everything from frilly tutus to sequined headpieces to giant colorful earrings, plus they make great souvenirs to remember the carnival! I visited a street market in downtown Barranquilla, off the Paseo de Bolivar, and picked up a number of colorful items to add to my carnival look!
On the day of Carnival, I recommend carrying as few items as possible with you. A small crossbody bag can keep your items safe and close to you during the crowded celebrations, and have enough room to fit essentials like your phone, cash for water/food, sunglasses, and a small tube of sunscreen. If you plan to be out all day, I also highly recommend a portable battery pack to keep your phone charged.
Regarding phones, it’s important to be aware of theft in the large crowds, but especially in the street parties at night. Keep your valuables close, or consider leaving them at home if they don’t feel essential.
Interested in celebrations in Colombia? Check out this in-depth guide to Christmas traditions around the country!
My Experience at Barranquilla Carnival
I had a unique experience at Barranquilla Carnival – I was part of the Batalla de Flores! Thanks to my excellent couchsurfing host/lifelong Baranquillero Jorge, I got connected with a group of Garabato dancers and ended up sequin-clad and riding a tricycle down Via 40 in front of millions of carnival spectators!
I actually arrived early in Barranquilla in order to explore a bit of the city and visit some of the pre-carnival celebrations. I highly recommend a visit to the Carnival Museum if you have time before the festivities to learn more about the history and cultural significance of the event. There’s also plenty more to see in Barranquilla, from Bocas de Ceniza to the Shakira Statue!
Overall, I loved staying with a local and getting to see an inside perspective of carnival, but I also loved the day we spent in the palcos, watching the parade and meeting people from all over the world! The post-parade street parties were also certainly one of my favorite memories of the celebrations – where else can you dance cumbia until the sun comes up?
Planning Your Visit to Barranquilla Carnival
Due to the size and scale of Barranquilla Carnival, it can be a little difficult to know where to begin! Here’s some of the nitty-gritty in regards to the when, where, and how to help keep you organized amongst the carnival chaos.
When to Go
The main four days of Barranquilla Carnival generally take place in the month of February, with the inciting event taking place four days before Lent. However, in Barranquilla, carnival is a lifestyle, with people prepping months in advance for the celebrations. If you arrive any time in January, you’re likely to find preparations and celebrations already well under way.
While the official carnival dates vary year by year, you can find the exact dates online up to two years in advance.
Where to Stay
If I have one tip for visiting Barranquilla Carnival, it’s to book your accommodation EARLY. Hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels fill up months in advance, so it’s important to secure your spot before they’re all gone (or you’re left paying a pretty penny!)
The main parades and carnival events take place along Via 40, so if you want to be right in the middle of the action, your best bet is to find accommodation in the nearby El Prado neighborhood. The north of the city is also popular amongst tourists, especially the Riomar neighborhood.
A money-saving option is to find accommodation in the southern municipality of Soledad. It’s about a half hour drive from the carnival events, but you’ll find accommodation to be much cheaper and more readily available. Just be prepared to pay additional in taxis and transportation.
Since I had my own transportation, I stayed in an Airbnb in the Las Mercedes Sur neighborhood, a bit outside the centro. I found the neighborhood to be quiet and laid-back, even in the midst of carnival celebrations.
Use the widget below to search for accommodation in Barranquilla, or check out all options on Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
How To Get There
Barranquilla is located in between the cities of Santa Marta and Cartagena, both major tourist destinations on the Colombian coast. It’s an easy bus ride from either city if you’re already exploring the area!
While the Ernesto Cortissoz Barranquilla Airport does have international flights from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, if you’re traveling internationally, your best bet is to fly into a larger city like Bogota or Medellín. From either city, you can take a connecting flight or an overnight bus to Barranquilla.
Why Visit Barranquilla Carnival?
Visiting Barranquilla Carnival is a once in a lifetime experience – an opportunity not just unique to Colombia, but the world! It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the diversity of Colombian culture, and embrace the many people, cultures, and stories that call it home.
On my journey to visit all 32 Departments of Colombia, getting to be a part of Barranquilla Carnival might just top the list! If you have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary event, take it!
Once you’ve gotten a taste of Colombia’s extraordinary diversity at carnival, there’s plenty more to see around the country! Explore the Caribbean paradise of San Andres or spend a week exploring the lush coffee region. Wherever you go in Colombia you’re certain to find adventures.
What to Pack for Colombia
Planning a trip to Colombia? Consider adding some of these essentials to your suitcase for a truly epic trip!
💧 Filtered Water Bottle – Save on the single-use plastic and protect from parasites!
🧥 Heavy-Duty Rain Jacket – For the ever-changing Colombian weather!
🎒 Anti-theft Backpack – Perfect for exploring big cities or trekking in the jungle
🧖♀️ Microfiber Travel Towel – A go-to travel essential anywhere in the world!
🔌 Portable Charger – Keep your phone charged out on the go
🔐 Mini Padlock – Perfect for securing your backpack or locking up your items at the hotel
🔋 Universal Travel Adapter – Charge all your devices anywhere in the world!
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.
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